Advocacy – Safari Club https://safariclub.org Fri, 28 Mar 2025 20:45:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://safariclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/SCI-Block-Red-Black-150x150.png Advocacy – Safari Club https://safariclub.org 32 32 Bruce Westerman Introduces Endangered Species Act Amendments Act of 2025 https://safariclub.org/bruce-westerman-introduces-endangered-species-act-amendments-act-of-2025/ Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=119224 Washington, D.C. – Safari Club International (SCI) commends House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR-04) for introducing the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Amendments Act of 2025. This long-overdue legislation is a major step in bringing the ESA into the 21st century, ensuring it works to recover species and promote collaboration with landowners, conservationists, and the sporting community, instead of allowing for endless litigation cycles and bureaucratic overreach.

 

For decades, environmental and animal rights groups more interested in control than conservation have hijacked the ESA. The ESA Amendments Act of 2025 restores the law’s original intent—helping species recover, not locking them in perpetual regulatory limbo. This bill injects much-needed common sense into federal wildlife policy by streamlining the delisting process for recovered species, rewarding effective international conservation efforts, and aligning U.S. import-export regulations with proven science-based practices.

 

ESA Reform of this kind is part of SCI’s 2025 Policy Priorities, which it relayed to the Trump administration earlier this year. SCI is committed to advocating for policies that protect hunting and conservation as essential tools for species recovery. SCI urges the House of Representatives and Senate to swiftly pass the ESA Amendments Act of 2025 to ensure that science, not an uninformed political agenda, guides future conservation efforts.

 

“Congressman Westerman’s legislation puts collaboration science and results ahead of politics and obstruction,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “Groups like the Center for Biological Diversity have spent years using the ESA as a weapon to block conservation success. They’re stuck in the past and unwilling to acknowledge when recovery efforts work. This bill corrects that and puts data a willingness to work with those on the ground, living with listed species, including in foreign countries at the forefront of conservation policy.”

 

“This legislation is a win for hunters, conservationists, and wildlife species alike,” said SCI President John McLaurin. “America’s sportsmen have funded the most successful conservation programs in the world, and it’s time the ESA recognized those achievements instead of pointlessly erecting meaningless roadblocks to sustainable-use hunting and wildlife conservation. Chairman Westerman’s bill brings the law back in line with real-world conservation success.”

 

Background:

For over 50 years, SCI has led the fight to defend hunting rights and promote wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI is the only hunting rights organization with a national and international advocacy team based in Washington, D.C., and an all-species focus. With more than 150 chapters and affiliate networks representing millions of hunters, SCI is the leading force for responsible, science-driven wildlife management.

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What They Are Saying: The Endangered Species Act Amendments Act of 2025 https://safariclub.org/what-they-are-saying-the-endangered-species-act-amendments-act-of-2025/ Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:13:41 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=118686

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) introduced the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2025.

 

“On behalf of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA), I want to express our appreciation for your efforts to review and update the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The legislation is an important first step to ensuring that the ESA as it applies to the work of zoos and aquariums helps rather than hinders the critical conservation work and scientific research done by accredited aquariums, marine parks, and zoos in the U.S.”  Kathleen Dezio, president and CEO, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums

“Farmers and ranchers play an important role in conservation, and they have long called for a modernized ESA which encourages voluntary programs that focus on species recovery and respects landowners as partners in conservation. We appreciate Chairman Westerman’s work on the Endangered Species Act of 2025, which accommodates both endangered and threatened species protection and human needs.” – Sam Kieffer, vice president of public policy, American Farm Bureau Federation

“The Center for Sportfishing Policy thanks Chairman Westerman for his visionary leadership in advancing much-needed reforms to the Endangered Species Act. For too long, vague and outdated statutes have allowed agencies and courts to impose policies that defy common sense and Congressional intent, creating uncertainty for conservation efforts and industries that rely on responsible resource management. This legislation brings much-needed reforms that prioritize wildlife conservation while ensuring that sound science and local expertise guide the decision-making process. We appreciate Chairman Westerman’s commitment to balancing conservation with responsible access to our natural resources.” – Jeff Angers, president, Center for Sportfishing Policy 

 

“We applaud our former DSC Bull Elephant Legislator of the Year Award recipient Chairman Bruce Westerman for his work on the ESA Amendments Act of 2025. This bill would fix several problems with the Endangered Species Act including recovery of threatened species and the conservation of species abroad while ending unnecessary red tape that has hampered DSC’s efforts to help wildlife.” – Rob McCanna, CEO, Dallas Safari Club

 

“The Endangered Species Act has been weaponized into a costly barrier for U.S. industry while also having little success in recovering species. The minerals industry firmly supports conservation and protection measures; however, it’s clear that stringent regulations don’t promote species recovery. It’s time for commonsense reform that implements practical protections while promoting greater transparency and accountability in recovering listed species. This bill seeks to do just that, and we look forward to working with Congress to ensure this bill is passed into law.” – Chris Greissing, president, Essential Minerals Association 

“The federal government’s significant presence in the Western U.S. presents unique challenges for farmers, ranchers and water managers. This is particularly true with respect to the implementation of the ESA, which impacts the management of land and water throughout the West. The Family Farm Alliance strongly supports the “ESA Amendments Act of 2025”, which modernizes the ESA and its implementing regulations to provide clearer direction to the federal agencies in applying and enforcing the law. We thank Chairman Westerman for his leadership on this important bill.” – Dan Keppen, executive director, Family Farm Alliance

 

“The Forest Landowners Association commends Chairman Westerman for introducing the ESA Amendments Act of 2025. Regulatory certainty and flexibility is critical for landowners to keep their working forests working, and the Endangered Species Act often presents a road block for beneficial forest management. This bill would provide much needed modernization to the ESA to incentivize species recovery and collaborative conservation on private lands while recognizing the host of environmental and economic benefits that working forests provide. We look forward to working with Congressional leadership to streamline the ESA in a way that increases transparency and helps to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes on the ground.” – Scott Jones, CEO, Forest Landowners Association

 

“NAHB commends Chairman Westerman for introducing the ESA Amendments of 2025, legislation that would modernize, clarify and reorient the Endangered Species Act (ESA) closer towards Congress’s original intent. Specifically, the bill would conserve endangered and threatened species, including areas designated as critical habitat, while ensuring that federal regulators who implement the ESA work together with states, local governments and private landowners to resolve land use and or natural resources issues in a collaborative manner. While NAHB members support the goals of the ESA, Westerman’s bill will improve the act by helping to reduce ESA’s unnecessarily burdensome regulatory process, lower the threat of third-party procedural litigation, and ease barriers to constructing new housing for American families.” – Buddy Hughes, chairman, National Association of Home Builders

 

“The ESA was created with the best of intentions but over the years it has morphed into a draconian law that is used to punish ranchers more than it is used for recovering listed species. This has allowed frivolous litigation to skyrocket and politically motivated species listings of recovered predator species to run rampant. The ESA Amendments Act will help bring the ESA back to its original goal of wildlife conservation and will encourage agencies to increase partnerships with producers, not punishments. Currently, the regulatory burden caused by ESA red tape is preventing cattle producers from carrying out voluntary conservation work needed to maintain America’s rangelands and create robust habitat for wildlife. This bill will streamline ESA processes and have them work at the speed of commerce once again. NCBA thanks Chairman Westerman for championing this bill to make commonsense changes to burdensome ESA regulations that will greatly benefit U.S. cattle producers.” – Garrett Edmonds, director of government affairs, National Cattleman’s Beef Association 

 

“The National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition (NESARC) applauds the introduction of the ESA Amendments Act of 2025 and expresses gratitude to House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Westerman for developing legislation that will offer overdue improvements to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). For over 50 years, the ESA has been one of our nation’s strongest environmental laws. While the original intent of the ESA was to conserve and protect American species of plants and wildlife that are threatened with extinction, the law has been increasingly used to block projects and to deter the legal use of privately owned land. NESARC and its members are committed to promoting effective and balanced legislative and regulatory improvements to the ESA that support the protection of fish, wildlife, and plant populations as well as responsible land, water, and resource management. NESARC looks forward to continuing to work with the champions of this measure as it moves through the legislative process.” – National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition

 

“Thank you, Chairman Westerman, for addressing the concerns of NHA’s members with the introduction of this bill — one that enshrines long-overdue fixes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). While this landmark law performs a critical role in protecting our environment, the ESA has been utilized in bad faith to ignore congressional intent while creating detrimental and unnecessary delays in the relicensing of existing hydro facilities, as well as the licensing of new facilities needed to meet growing energy demand. Hydropower is defined by innovations like species passage through-and-around facilities and its ability to provide reliable electricity for all Americans; the resource’s role in environmental stewardship is critical, and it is why NHA applauds this legislation. We urge Congress to pass it quickly.” – Michael Purdie, director or regulatory affairs and markets, National Hydropower Association 

 

“Species protection and habitat recovery can advance alongside responsible resource development. The ESA Amendments Act of 2025 strikes a balance between the increasing need for transparency and accountability of recovery programs, all while providing a pathway to prioritize conservation activities, including those on private lands. This legislation is the result of valuable work by Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and his continued engagement with a broad range of interested stakeholders.” – Richard M. Russell, senior vice president of government and political affairs, National Mining Association

“NRECA applauds the introduction of the ESA Amendments Act of 2025, which takes significant steps in modernizing endangered species protection by improving certainty, transparency, and accountability in the ESA regulatory process. Electric cooperatives are dedicated stewards of their environments, but bear the brunt of expanding agency overreach and navigating a complex regulatory landscape. We appreciate Chairman Westerman’s commitment to ensuring electric co-ops can protect the nation’s natural resources while providing responsible, reliable, and affordable power to America’s rural communities.” – Louis Finkel, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

 

“The National Water Resources Association (NWRA) supports Chairman Bruce Westerman’s ESA Amendments Act of 2025 and believes it is a common-sense approach to balancing species protection with responsible water management. By cutting red tape, improving accountability, and encouraging local solutions, it enhances both conservation and water reliability.” – Greg Morrison, executive vice president, National Water Resources Association

 

“Our members pride themselves on being good stewards of the waterfront and believe species can coexist with navigation infrastructure. This legislation will clarify the environmental baseline and address mitigation issues that have been challenging for permitting vital port maintenance and other economic development projects in our region.” – Neil Maunu, executive director, Pacific Northwest Waterways Association 

 

“Since it was passed into law over 50 years ago, the ESA has become a tool to block conservation on working lands, putting livestock producers’ personal safety and economic stability at risk. The ESA Amendments Act of 2025 will help protect the efficient operation of farms and ranches across the country and restore the ESA’s place as an effective conservation tool, once again that empowers states and land managers to lead balanced wildlife management efforts. The Public Lands Council and ranchers across the West thank Representative Bruce Westerman and all the lawmakers supportive of this legislation to deliver significant regulatory relief to livestock producers.” – Tim Canterbury, president, Public Lands Council

 

“The ESA Amendment Act of 2025 introduces needed reforms to enhance species recovery. By giving greater flexibility to the Fish and Wildlife Service in listing decisions, streamlining permitting, and de-weaponizing litigation, we can transform the ESA into a more effective tool for protecting America’s wildlife. With only 3% of listed species recovered in 50 years, it’s time for a new approach—one that works for both wildlife and people.” – Jonathan Wood, vice president of law and policy, Policy and Environmental Research Center

 

“Five decades of case law informed by radical environmental activists has transformed the Endangered Species Act into a purgatory for wildlife. As sportsmen and women, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation takes seriously our commitment to wildlife conservation and believes we can and should do better. The ESA Amendments Act represents a positive step towards returning the ESA to its original mission, ensuring already limited resources go towards species recovery, not fighting endless court battles. RMEF thanks Chairman Westerman for his leadership on this bill.” – Kyle Weaver, president and CEO, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 

 

“SCI commends Chair Bruce Westerman for introducing the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Amendments Act of 2025. This much-needed legislation will bring the ESA into the 21st century and simultaneously enable Congress’ original intent, especially with respect to flexibility for recovering and recovered species and encouraging foreign conservation. We strongly support the bill’s comprehensive, science-based approach to ESA reform, which aligns U.S. import-export regulations with proven conservation practices.” – Laird Hamberlin, CEO, Safari Club International

 

“The ESA has been broken for decades, hurting landowners and producers while activist lawyers profit from sue-and-settle lawsuits. Real species recovery happens when landowners, conservationists, stakeholders, and state governments collaborate. We appreciate Chairman Westerman for advancing reforms that balance conservation with productive land use.” – Aaron Johnson, vice president of public and legislative affairs, Western Energy Alliance

 

“The Zoological Association of America (ZAA) thanks Chairman Bruce Westerman for his recent proposed ESA Amendments Act of 2025. ZAA is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit zoological and wildlife organizations and our members provide millions of visitors with rewarding educational, conservation, and entertaining experiences. ZAA and its members also contribute millions of dollars to conservation efforts worldwide. Chairman Westerman understands that the primary intent of the ESA was to protect and conserve native species and not to create bureaucratic obstacles to conservation efforts of non-native species. Chairman Westerman’s amendments will restore the ESA to its original purpose and create more opportunities for zoos and aquariums to engage in their valuable ex-situ conservation efforts.” – Dr. Kelly George, executive director, Zoological Association of America

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Chris Dorsey Interviews Alaskan Congressman Nick Begich https://safariclub.org/chris-dorsey-interviews-alaskan-congressman-nick-begich/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:34:37 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=118586

Recently Chris Dorsey interviewed Alaska’s Congressman Nick Begich about his role on the Committee for Natural resources, conservation, and his hunting experiences with his Uncle.

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Advocacy - Safari Club nonadult
Canadian Overreach and Attacks on Firearms https://safariclub.org/canadian-overreach-and-attacks-on-firearms/ Mon, 10 Mar 2025 16:49:03 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=118308 The Canadian Liberal Government appears to be shifting focus away from its policy failures by continuing its attack on RCMP-vetted and licensed firearm owners rather than addressing crime and illegal firearms.

In January 2025, after proroguing Parliament, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau launched a leadership campaign to replace himself as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and, ultimately, as Prime Minister. With Parliament suspended, legislative scrutiny was effectively blocked, preventing elected representatives from debating critical policies, including new firearm bans. Now, on the final business day before the Liberal leadership vote, Minister Rachel Bendayan, Associate Minister of Public Safety, has announced the prohibition of 179 additional makes and models of firearms. Furthermore, the government has committed to:

  • Conducting a comprehensive study of the firearms classification system
  • Implementing regulatory changes to large-capacity magazines
  • Enacting red and yellow flag laws from Bill C-21

A Policy Based on Emotion, Not Public Safety

As SCI stated in December 2024, efforts to ban modern sporting rifles have been based on cosmetics and appearance, with little regard for functionality, crime reduction, or public safety. The 2020 firearm ban was introduced following Canada’s worst mass shooting, yet it would not have prevented the tragedy. The perpetrator did not hold a firearms license, and law enforcement confirmed that his firearms were illegally obtained. None of the measures enacted in 2020 addressed the criminal disregard for the law that enabled the attack.

The latest round of prohibitions, implemented through Order in Council (OIC), continues the trend of circumventing democratic oversight. By bypassing Parliamentary debate, the government has prevented stakeholders—including licensed firearm owners, conservationists, and sport shooters—from providing testimony on the impact of these bans. Instead, it has exclusively engaged with anti-firearm advocacy groups, as demonstrated by today’s press conference.

SCI Stands with Law-Abiding Firearm Owners

Safari Club International (SCI) strongly opposes the Liberal government’s ongoing attack on law-abiding firearm owners and remains committed to defending the rights of licensed hunters and sport shooters across Canada.

We call on the Government of Canada to:

  1. Immediately rescind all firearm bans enacted through Order in Council
  2. Refocus efforts on addressing criminal activity and illegal firearms trafficking
  3. Stop unfairly targeting hunters and sport shooters

The government must prioritize evidence-based policies that enhance public safety without punishing responsible firearm owners who have been vetted, trained, and licensed under Canada’s rigorous system.

Join the Fight

SCI will continue advocating for hunters and sport shooters. We urge all Canadians who value conservation, responsible firearm ownership, and personal freedoms to stand with us.

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Welcome Mpho Tjiane To The SCI Family https://safariclub.org/welcome-mpho-tjiane-to-sci-family/ Tue, 18 Feb 2025 22:57:40 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=115827

 

Join us in welcoming Mpho to the SCI family!

 
SCI is proud to welcome Mpho Tjiane, a leading expert in wildlife conservation and hunting regulations, as our new Africa Liaison! With 13+ years of experience and a distinguished CITES focal point for South Africa, Mpho has been instrumental in shaping policies that balance ethical hunting and biodiversity conservation.
 
His extensive work in CITES compliance, trophy import/export regulations, and environmental legislation makes him a vital addition to SCI’s mission.
 
We’re excited to work together to protect wildlife for future generations, promote sustainable hunting practices, and strengthen global partnerships!

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SCI Applauds the Nomination of Brian Nesvik as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director https://safariclub.org/sci-applauds-the-nomination-of-brian-nesvik-as-u-s-fish-and-wildlife-service-director/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:00:16 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=115028

Washington, D.C. – Safari Club International (SCI) celebrates the nomination of Brian Nesvik to serve as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). A lifelong conservationist, seasoned wildlife manager, dedicated public servant, and a General in the Wyoming National Guard, Nesvik brings decades of experience in wildlife stewardship and policy leadership to this critical role.

Nesvik, who rose through the ranks of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, retired as its director in mid-2024 after a distinguished career that began as a Pinedale game warden. His nomination by the Trump administration marks a pivotal moment for the future of wildlife management in the United States.

“Brian Nesvik has long supported sustainable use conservation and responsible wildlife management.  His values and demonstrated success align with SCI’s mission to defend the freedom to hunt.” said W. Laird Hamberlin, CEO of SCI. “SCI strongly supports his nomination and urges the Senate to confirm him swiftly.”

Throughout his career, Nesvik has worked tirelessly to balance wildlife conservation, hunting traditions, and habitat management. His leadership in Wyoming—one of the nation’s most wildlife-rich states—has demonstrated a deep understanding of the complex challenges facing both wildlife and sportsmen.

“The future of hunting, conservation, and access to public lands depends on strong leadership at the federal level,” John McLaurin, President of SCI continued. “Brian Nesvik is the right person for this role, and we look forward to working with him to advance policies that protect wildlife while ensuring the rights of hunters and sportsmen and sportswomen remain intact.”

Nesvik’s nomination now moves to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee for review before a full Senate confirmation vote.

SCI encourages its members to stay engaged and support leaders who prioritize hunting, conservation, and wildlife management at all levels of government.

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SCI Announces 2025 Elected Officials of the Year Awardees https://safariclub.org/sci-announces-2025-elected-officials-of-the-year-awardees/ Sat, 08 Feb 2025 16:00:58 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=114602

Safari Club International (SC) is proud to select the following individuals as the 2025 recipients of the organization’s annual Elected Officials of the Year awards, who go above and beyond in support of hunting, angling, and conservation in the U.S. and around the globe:

Federal Legislator of the Year

Senator John Curtis (R-UT), who previously represented Utah’s 3rd Congressional District. He was Vice Chair of the Federal Lands Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he fought to protect Utah’s public lands while ensuring they remain accessible for recreation and sustainable use.

2025 Governor of the Year and Courage Under Fire Award: Governor Jeff Landry

Governor of the Year and Courage Under Fire Award

Governor Jeff Landry (R-LA), who previously served as Attorney General of Louisiana and represented the Bayou State’s 3rd Congressional District. In 2024, Governor Landry signed several pivotal pieces of legislation benefiting Louisiana’s outdoorsmen and firearms owners, including HB 684, SB 234, and SB1.

State Legislator of the Year

Representative Lauren Melo (R-FL-80), who introduced HJR 1157, later Amendment 2, which enshrined Floridians’ right to hunt and fish in the state constitution. The measure passed by a supermajority (67%) of Florida’s voters in the 2024 general election.

 

2025 International Legislator of the Year: Zoltán Kovács

International Legislator of the Year

Zoltán Kovács, who is currently serving as Hungary’s Secretary of State for International Communication. During Hungary’s recent presidency of the European Union, Secretary Kovács was instrumental in ensuring that hunting remained a priority in political discussions while advancing pro-hunting legislation and protecting the interests of hunters across Europe.

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Safari Club International Selects Louisiana’s Jeff Landry as 2025 Governor of the Year Awardee https://safariclub.org/safari-club-international-selects-louisianas-jeff-landry-as-2025-governor-of-the-year-awardee/ Sat, 08 Feb 2025 15:58:10 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=114613
2025 Governor of the Year and Courage Under Fire Award Gov. Jeff Landry (R-LA)

Washington, D.C. — Safari Club International is proud to present Governor Jeff Landry its 2025 Governor of the Year and Courage Under Fire award for his dedication to preserving the rights and interests of sportsmen, defending Louisiana’s traditions and values, and enhancing conservation in his state. In 2024, Governor Landry signed several pivotal pieces of legislation benefiting Louisiana’s outdoorsmen and firearms owners, cementing his legacy as a leader in protecting the freedom to hunt.

Among his recent achievements, Governor Landry signed HB 684, which marked a major victory for the state’s hunters and conservationists by preventing the unnecessary relisting of the Louisiana Black Bear on the Federal Endangered Species list and establishing a black bear hunting season—the first in over 40 years. The Louisiana Black Bear stands as a prime example of how legislative, legal, and scientific efforts can come together to conserve wildlife, all due to Governor Landry’s leadership.

Governor Landry’s record as a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment has extended into his gubernatorial tenure. Last year, he signed SB 234, the Firearm Industry Nondiscrimination (FIND) Act, which shields the firearm industry from financial discrimination. Additionally, SB 301, the Louisiana Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act, ensures that the financial privacy of individuals purchasing firearms and ammunition is protected from intrusive merchant category codes used by credit card companies.

Perhaps most notably, Governor Landry signed Senate Bill 1 into law. This landmark bill made Louisiana the 28th state to adopt Constitutional Carry and affirmed the Second Amendment right of its citizens to carry firearms without a permit.

Governor Landry’s distinguished career in public service is underscored by his deep patriotism and dedication to the people of Louisiana. His military service in the Louisiana National Guard, his tenure as both a sheriff’s deputy and police officer, and his time as a U.S. Representative and Louisiana Attorney General reflect his unwavering commitment to public safety and the preservation of American liberties.

“SCI is happy to congratulate Governor Landry on his success as a pro-hunting, pro-Second Amendment, and pro-conservation leader in the state of Louisiana,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “His commitment to these principles and to serving his state’s 4.6 million residents makes him the ideal recipient of this year’s Courage Under Fire and Governor of the Year award. We thank Governor Landry for his vigorous support of Louisiana’s sportsmen and women.”

“Governor Landry has proven time and again that he is a true champion for sportsmen, conservation, and the fundamental freedoms we hold dear,” said SCI President John McLaurin. “His leadership in securing Constitutional Carry, protecting the firearm industry from discrimination, and advancing policies that benefit hunters and anglers sets a gold standard for governors nationwide.”

 

Background:

For over 50 years, Safari Club International (SCI) has been the leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI is unique in the scope of our ability to defend and advance our freedom to hunt. SCI is the only hunting rights organization with a Washington, D.C.-based national and international advocacy team and an all-species focus. SCI also mobilizes more than 150 chapters and affiliate networks representing millions of hunters around the world.

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Safari Club International Names Zoltán Kovács as 2025 International Legislator of the Year https://safariclub.org/safari-club-international-names-zoltan-kovacs-as-2025-international-legislator-of-the-year/ Sat, 08 Feb 2025 15:52:53 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=114611
2025 International Legislator of the Year: Zoltán Kovács

Washington, D.C. — Safari Club International (SCI) is honored to select Hungarian Secretary of State for International Communication Zoltán Kovács as its 2025 International Legislator of the Year awardee. A devoted hunter and advocate for the global hunting community, Kovács has been a steadfast supporter of hunting rights and conservation throughout his distinguished political career.

Kovács, who has long been affiliated with Hungary’s leading political party, FIDESZ, has served in numerous high-profile roles, including Hungary’s Secretary of State for Government Communication, Secretary of State for Social Inclusion, and Hungary’s international spokesperson. His leadership during Hungary’s recent presidency of the European Union was instrumental in ensuring that hunting remained a priority in political discussions. Kovács played a pivotal role in advancing pro-hunting legislation and protecting the interests of hunters across Europe.

From 2020 to 2022, Kovács served as commissioner of FeHoVa, the largest Carpathian hunting fair. In 2021, he was the governmental commissioner for the World Hunting and Nature Expo, successfully showcasing the importance of hunting on the global stage. His work has highlighted the critical role that sustainable hunting plays in conservation, rural economies, and cultural traditions.

“Mr. Kovács is a passionate defender of hunting rights, and his achievements in the international arena have been a tremendous asset to our community,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “His expertise, leadership, and dedication to the hunting cause are an inspiration, and we look forward to his continued contributions to promoting responsible, sustainable-use hunting practices worldwide.”

“Mr. Kovács has demonstrated unwavering support for the global hunting community, and we are thrilled to recognize his efforts as our 2025 International Legislator of the Year,” said SCI President John McLaurin. “His leadership and dedication to promoting hunting as a vital part of our cultural heritage and conservation efforts make him an exemplary advocate for SCI’s global mission.”

A historian by training, Kovács holds advanced degrees from Lajos Kossuth University and Central European University. He also has a background in academia as a professor at several Hungarian universities. A committed family man, he is married with two children. His efforts to protect hunting traditions extend from his passion for the outdoors to the broader European and global political stage.

 

Background:

For over 50 years, Safari Club International (SCI) has been the leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI is unique in the scope of our ability to defend and advance our freedom to hunt. SCI is the only hunting rights organization with a Washington, D.C.-based national and international advocacy team and an all-species focus. SCI also mobilizes more than 150 chapters and affiliate networks representing millions of hunters around the world.

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Safari Club International Names Senator John Curtis (R-UT) as 2025 Federal Legislator of the Year https://safariclub.org/safari-club-international-names-senator-john-curtis-r-ut-as-2025-federal-legislator-of-the-year/ Sat, 08 Feb 2025 15:49:19 +0000 https://safariclub.org/?p=114610

Washington, D.C. — Safari Club International (SCI) has proudly selected Senator John Curtis (R-UT) as its 2025 Federal Legislator of the Year awardee. A champion for outdoor recreation and public lands access, Senator Curtis has consistently advocated for the responsible conservation and multiple-use management of America’s natural resources, earning him this prestigious recognition.

Senator Curtis previously represented Utah’s 3rd Congressional District before becoming Utah’s junior senator. He was Vice Chair of the Federal Lands Subcommittee in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he fought to protect Utah’s public lands while ensuring they remain accessible for recreation and sustainable use.

Before his election to Congress, Curtis designed shooting ranges worldwide for law enforcement training and was a highly successful mayor of Provo, Utah, where he achieved an impressive 94% approval rating. His leadership as mayor earned him several accolades, including “Top Elected Official on Social Media” and Utah Valley Magazine’s Person of the Year.

As an avid outdoorsman, Senator Curtis has deep personal ties to the hunting and conservation community. He has previously been an exhibitor at the SCI’s Annual Convention and the Ultimate Sportsmen’s Market. He has consistently worked to ensure that public lands are preserved for future generations while respecting the traditional uses that benefit local communities and the economy.

“Senator Curtis exemplifies what it means to be a steward of our natural resources,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin. “His balanced approach to land management—supporting conservation efforts while safeguarding the rights of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts—makes him a standout leader. We look forward to working with him to continue protecting America’s outdoor heritage as he begins his tenure in the Senate.”

“We are thrilled to recognize Senator John Curtis as the 2025 Federal Legislator of the Year,” said SCI President John McLaurin. “His dedication to preserving public land access, supporting hunting rights, and promoting conservation aligns perfectly with SCI’s mission. Senator Curtis’s hands-on experience and passion for the outdoors make him a true ally of the hunting community.”

Senator Curtis has been married to his wife, Sue, for 41 years. They have six children and sixteen grandchildren. His dedication to his family and Utah’s outdoor lifestyle further demonstrates his commitment to maintaining a legacy of responsible stewardship for the next generation.

Background:

For over 50 years, Safari Club International (SCI) has been the leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. SCI is unique in the scope of our ability to defend and advance our freedom to hunt. SCI is the only hunting rights organization with a Washington, D.C.-based national and international advocacy team and an all-species focus. SCI also mobilizes more than 150 chapters and affiliate networks representing millions of hunters around the world.

The post Safari Club International Names Senator John Curtis (R-UT) as 2025 Federal Legislator of the Year appeared first on Safari Club.

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